Why Can't We All Just Get Along? Opposites Can Be Friends

It's hard when you go on vacation and need to leave your dog somewhere--neighbor, vet, breeder, kennel--if you're like me, it's easier to just bring the dog. Not always possible so we try to help out others and watch their dogs when needed.

We just had our male Shitzu-friend, Fenway (this is the name you get when you promise your kids you'll get a dog when the Red Sox win a world series...who knew?) over for a few days while his people family was on a very cool European trip. Now Fenway is an easy dog--actually, quite like a cat. He likes to curl up in the sun, doesn't like or get the meaning of ball chasing, doesn't really seem to be interested in food. But he is a good walker, follows commands--actually, follows me around endlessly--basically, not a bad house guest.

Our Westie, Coconut, is also a very good dog. She is VERY spirited, LOVES to chase balls (if she could talk, you'd hear "throw me the ball...throw me the ball...throw me the ball...), LOVES to eat, especially Fenway's special Shitzu food (what's IN that stuff?) and follows many commands. Coconut unfortunately hasn't mastered the art of leash walking--I swear I have tennis elbow from walking that dog. These two dogs are EXTREME opposites, but they get along! They are "doggy friends", as much as dogs can have buddies.

So, it struck me that, just like in the people world, opposite personalities can find some middle ground and coexist, even become "friends". It's a good lesson for all--young kids, teenagers, adults, leaders of different countries, etc. Hang out with someone/thing very different from you for awhile and you will find common ground. Hmmm...should I send this to the world leaders now?

A Terrier in the Sun...and Not the Sand

Much ado about nothing! The long car trip with our Westie, Coconut, was not so bad. Would have been a lot better except for the long stretch of construction traffic in middle Georgia. The dog did fine...me, not so much. I have to confess; I did rely on the little white pills--there and back--so I'll never know what she really would have been like in the car!

Coconut loved Florida! What dog wouldn't? Beautiful landscape, warm weather, sunny skies. Unfortunately, our terrier didn't ever come face-to-face with the beach. Gale force winds and a dog with longish WHITE hair doesn't mix well on a wet, windy, chilly beach. So we skipped the beach.

And my consternation about taking care of doggy bathroom issues while staying on the 8th floor of a condo building also was for not. Dogs are smart! Or at least our terrier is. She quickly learned which door to wait at, and then what elevator door to prance in front of, and then to run to the main door, and then to scamper quickly down the large front drive to finally find the small patch of thick, prickly Florida grass to do her doggy business. It is no small feat. I absolutely do not know how people train puppies while living in high rises. Getting to the grass in a few minutes--or seconds--is CRITICAL!

So the good news is that Grandma...and even Granddad...liked the dog. She was a very polite house guest and has been invited back to visit. I'll just make sure to save my stash of the little white pills--just in case.